Appreciating Rwandan poetry

“The same way Rwanda takes a step towards achievement every day, so does poetry. I have taken mine too. And I choose poetry. It’s my tool. Until, free will. I won’t let go, I will hold it still. Poetry forever, until...” I chose to start my article with a few words appreciating poetry. From my perspective, Rwandan poetry has surely taken its steps and is bearing fruits. To creative thinkers, it has become a hobby and to many others it is a platform to express how they feel and a sense to relieve them of their emotional fears. While to some, poetry is a friend and one great way to earn a living. Rwanda has not fallen back as far as taking poetry to the next level is concerned. Following its (Rwanda) background of the 1994 tragedy, a touch of class has been given to poetry. Many writers and creative thinkers have pulled it off as their only platform to explain and express their grief about the tragic period that crippled our dear country 17 years ago. It (poetry) has also become the answer to those that seek to understand and explain the politics of today. Poetry in Rwanda has not stopped but rather has gone as far as an appreciation tool for the beautiful nature that surrounds us. The thousand hills, gorillas, beautiful city and lots more have given Rwandan poetry something to claim triumph for. Furthermore, Rwandan poetry still goes an extra mile in polishing the Rwandan culture. Through poetry, Rwandan culture has become famous. Poetry is now an art that has manipulated culture into the lime light. And many have succeeded in taking it on. For instance, folk songs are sung in the local language at weddings, which also take on poetry. Not only are the creative writers the comrades of poetry but everyone has the ability. For love, poetry is the number one tool in sweeping people off their feet. The same goes for songwriters too.Poetry platforms have been set up in Rwanda to uphold poetry skills. The Latest is “Spoken Word Rwanda” where poetry nights are held every Wednesday from 8:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. This is evidence enough that poetry has goes a mile every day.Consequently, I like to say that poetry is food for the mind and an ingredient to build thought. So take it on and watch your mind open to new things.